fuel surcharges

[FMMurphy]

Is it fair for airlines to tack on a fuel charge after the ticket has been bought and paid for? I recently bought a ticket for a trip in June. It has been paid for for 4 months. Now they want to add on a 129.00 fuel charge. If gas prices go down would they refund me a fuel chrage? I don't think so. What legal rights do you have concerning this?

[NORMANTHEDOG]

usually,when you purchase the ticket,the fuel charge is added then,but a lot of airlines are crafty now,as people book a lot of flights months before they fly,airlines are now waiting till nearer the flight to add the fuel charge as it keeps going up.read the terms and conditions,i think you will find they can do this and there is not a lot you can do about it.

[buildersmate]

Yes, I reckon this should be investigated by the OFT if they haven't already got onto the case. I don't have any problem with it being in the T&Cs of booking, but they'd better be clear about the methodology used for adding this fee on - something like 'a rise of x% for every y% increase in fuel over $z per tonne'. Otherwise it could be demmed an unfair contract term.
BA recently did this again from 2 May, but it is not retrospective on bookings already made.